HAVERHILL Rovers manager Peter Betts hopes to be able to call on friend and ex-football league player Ryan Semple, after agreeing a dual signing deal with United Counties League title chasers Deeping Rangers.
Semple, who has scored 27 goals in 36 league games, has played for Peterborough United and Lincoln City among others and works with Betts at Peterborough.
The midfielder’s Rangers side has just four matches left while Rovers still have to play nin
e, meaning Semple should be available for midweek matches as Haverhill begin an important run of games.
“Our next three are King’s Lynn Reserves, Norwich United and Histon Reserves,” said Betts. “Without putting too much pressure on the team, I think we need seven points at a minimum, which is a big ask.”
Defender Scott Lowen has also re-signed for Rovers but will continue playing for Hundon through to the end of the season.
Betts has also stated his intent to strengthen the youth set-up of the club and wants to strengthen the progress from under 16s through to the first team by having young teams in the Eastern Junior Alliance league.
“We are trying to get the youth set-up right, especially going from under 16s into the under 18s, because with our lack of funds we need a progression of young talent coming through the club.”
n Rovers travel to King’s Lynn Reserves on Saturday in the Ridgeons Premier and the reserves have an important top-of-the-table clash against Tiptree United Reserves at Hamlet Croft, on Tuesday night, kick off at 7.45pm.
n Listen to an audio interview with Betts, recorded after Tuesday’s match with Stanway, at www.haverhill echo.com
